The incorporation process

Here's the full journey of your incorporation, stage by stage. Your dashboard tracks it live with a progress bar and status pills — the same ones shown throughout this page. For what the SEC step itself involves, see SEC incorporation; for the full catalogue of statuses see the request status guide; and for timeline options see processing options.

Incorporation progress

Awaiting signature

55%·06/11

Preparation

1. Request received
2. Review in progress
3. Package confirmed
4. Name verification
5. Documents in preparation
6. 06Awaiting signature

SEC registration

1. 07Filed with SEC
2. 08SEC review
3. 09Awaiting SEC payment
4. 10Digital certificate issued
5. 11Company registered

Stage 1 — You submit your request#

You complete the guided incorporation form: company details, incorporators, share structure, and business purpose. Everything saves as you go.

Once submitted, your request enters our review queue and your dashboard shows Request received.

Stage 2 — We review and prepare your documents#

Our team takes your request through preparation:

1. Review in progress — we check your details for completeness and confirm your company is eligible for the processing option that fits your timeline.
2. Package confirmed — we validate the scope of your incorporation and confirm your Korp service payment.
3. Name verification — we check your company name against the SEC registry and reserve it for you. If your first choice isn't available, we'll contact you about alternatives.
4. Documents in preparation — we draft your Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, and supporting documents based on your answers. Your incorporation checklist opens during this phase so you can review and confirm the filing details.
5. Awaiting signature — your documents are ready. For most companies this is fully electronic: you authenticate online, with no printing or notarization. We'll guide you through it.

Stage 3 — Filing and SEC registration#

1. Filed with SEC — your signed application is submitted to the SEC.
2. SEC review — the SEC examines your application. If they request corrections, we handle them and keep you posted. With rush processing this review is nearly instant; see processing options.
3. Awaiting SEC payment — the SEC has approved your application and issued its official fee assessment. All SEC fees are included in your package, so we settle this payment with the SEC on your behalf — nothing for you to do.
4. Certificate issued — the SEC issues your digitally signed Certificate of Incorporation. It has the same legal validity as a paper original. Your company now legally exists.
5. Company registered — registration is complete and all documents are available in your dashboard.

A small number of company types (lending companies, financing companies, and foreign corporations) still follow the SEC's older paper process, which adds a hard-copy document submission step after the digital certificate. If that applies to you, we'll walk you through it.

If something needs attention#

At any point, your request may show one of these statuses:

• Action required — we need something from you, or the SEC has asked for a correction. Check your dashboard and messages; we'll always spell out exactly what's needed.
• Cancelled — the request was withdrawn. If you cancelled by mistake or want to restart, contact us.

After registration#

Your Certificate of Incorporation and company documents stay available in your dashboard. Incorporation is the first step of your company's life — tax registration, permits, and bank accounts typically come next. Start with BIR registration, which makes your company a recognized taxpayer and lets you legally issue receipts and run payroll.